The Sun's industry insider says we can expect iPhone X-style features like Face ID and Animoji

New iPad 2018 release date – when will it launch?

Apple has released new versions of iPads at loads of different times of the year, which makes their launches much harder to predict than an iPhone announcement.

Still, we've been hearing plenty of rumours that suggest a launch is imminent.

For instance, the recent certification filing for two new iPad models would typically only happen very shortly before a product launch.

That's inspired some commentators to suggest we could see new iPad models seriously soon.

The Sun spoke to top tech expert Daniel Ives, who said that he expects a new iPad "in March".

History of the iPad

Here's what you need to know about Apple's top tablet...

The first Apple iPad was released on April 3, 2010

The tablet was mocked at the time for looking like an "oversized phone"

iPad generations: seven iPads, four iPad Minis, and two iPad Pros

As of 2015, Apple had sold more than 250 million iPads

The powerful work-focused iPad Pro was launched in 2015

The most recent iPad launch was the 2nd-gen iPad Pro in June 2017

Apple is expected to launch new iPad models in 2018

The GBH Insights analyst also said that we'll see a bigger launch closer to summer: "The red carpet will be rolled out for the June iPad Pro release."

In any case, a March launch is looking very likely – as Apple is already holding an event on March 27 to share some gadget news.

New iPad 2018 specs and features – here's what to expect

According to Ives, the new March models will feature "some refreshes, but not major enhancements".

This means we could see minor processor upgrades for faster performance overall, or some tweaks to the camera or design.

But Ives says the rumoured June release will be the one to watch out for.

"The major release will be the iPad Pro in June around the company's major WWDC conference and is expected to have facial recognition, enhanced camera capabilities, and Animoji features," he told The Sun.

New iPad 2018 price – how much will it cost?

The price of new iPad models depends very much on what sort of iPad Apple plans to release.

For instance, the current 9.7-inch iPad retails at anywhere from £339 to £559.

Apple's latest iPad ad is making people really angry

The workhorse iPad Pro, meanwhile, will set you back a hefty £619 for the entry-level model, or as much as £1,249 for the top version.

According to Ives, we'll actually see a cheaper iPad model launched, with a price reduction of "roughly £50". That means you may be able to bag an iPad for as little as £289.

But the bigger model will likely spark a price bump, with Ives prediction the price tag to grow "by roughly £50 to £100, versus today's models".